Legal Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

SERC OVERVIEW:

SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC) is one of six Regional Entities in North America authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) through delegation agreements with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). SERC is responsible for promoting the reliability and security of the bulk power system across the southeastern and central United States.

SERC's footprint spans approximately 630,000 square miles and serves more than 97 million people, including all or portions of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The electric grid is essential to public health, safety, and economic stability. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the bulk power system through effective and efficient oversight, analysis, and collaboration.

To support this mission, SERC maintains a multidisciplinary team of experts and works closely with industry stakeholders, neighboring Regional Entities, NERC, and federal partners. These partnerships enable informed, pragmatic, and impactful approaches to emerging and evolving reliability challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position is responsible for resolving legal and compliance matters on critical energy reliability issues, including cybersecurity, physical security, extreme weather preparedness, and challenges associated with the energy industry's evolving grid transformation. Serving as a legal case manager, regulatory consultant, and strategic business advisor, this role utilizes enforcement and violation processing procedures to promote the security and reliability of the electric power grid and ensure compliance with federal reliability standards.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Regulatory Case Management and Engagement

• Manage and lead cross-functional regulatory compliance activities on North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards to ensure appropriate and consistent dispositions of alleged violations.
• Serve as the regulatory point of contact with industry compliance and legal contacts on legal and enforcement activities.
• Leverage legal expertise and regulatory acumen to create and present electric reliability trends, themes, and observations to internal and external audiences, including regulators, Board committees, and the broader energy industry.
• Initiate and oversee strategic legal programs and enforcement projects, including value-streaming and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Provide legal expertise and training to other SERC departments, as well as users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, on compliance and enforcement issues.
• Attend and participate in industry workshops and presentations to keep abreast of current electric industry trends, guidance, and processes.
• Review relevant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission orders and other federal administrative and regulatory actions and provide guidance to SERC staff.

Case Settlements and Resolutions

• Develop settlement agreements resolving complex legal issues, including disposition resolutions, recommendations, and settlement agreements to prevent future risks to the electric grid.
• Prepare and present legal memorandums and briefs, including proposed penalties and/or sanctions, to SERC leadership.
• Lead and participate in settlement negotiations with registered entities including investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and governmental entities.
• Ensure the development of a complete evidentiary record for all noncompliance issues.
• Perform legal research to ensure appropriate and consistent dispositions of alleged electric reliability violations.

Corporate Legal

• Conduct legal research and provide legal advice and recommendations to the SERC Board of Directors, executives, and staff.
• Provide training, education, and communications to SERC staff and SERC member companies regarding legal issues and/or regulatory requirements.
• Review and/or assist in the implementation of company policies and procedures.
• Draft, review, and/or edit corporate bylaws, Board committee scope documents, Board resolutions, and Board and committee meeting minutes.
• Draft, negotiate, and/or review SERC contracts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to comprehend complex and technical concepts.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Possess excellent time-management skills and be detail-oriented.
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Law Degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school and licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State or District of Columbia and member of a bar association.
• At least 5 years of experience in energy, administrative law, regulatory law, and/or complex litigation.

COMMITMENT TO CULTURE: SERC is dedicated to being a highly desirable place to work through culture and purpose. We place a strategic focus on critical elements such as Innovation & Collaboration, Organizational Development & Talent Management. Through this strategic focus, SERC has identified its four values we believe keep us on the path of the relentless pursuit of better. COMPANY VALUES:

• Leader - Is trustworthy, principled, and respectful and strive to create value that reduces risk. Has a positive vision and is actively building support to execute it. A leader takes personal accountability for the outcomes of their choices and actions, acts with professionalism and adapts to change in a calm and positive manner. A leader will, when appropriate, ask questions and recommend alternative solutions to new processes or procedures.
• Collaborative - Partner and engage, both internally and externally, to drive meaningful action by leveraging skills, knowledge and tools. This would include effective written and verbal communication to ensure ideas and messages are clearly and concisely conveyed, being responsive to all stakeholders, understanding goals and objectives while exceeding key metrics and targets. Encourages dialog and candor while making it safe for others to voice their opinion to ensure all alternative viewpoints are heard, they are an active listener.
• Expert - Being credible, objective, disciplined, and sought after to help with continuous learning, improvements, and innovations. Exhibit knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Take initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employ good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.
• Purposeful - Proactively demonstrate initiative, intentionality and resourcefulness to help anticipate and navigate current and future challenges. Committed to the quality of work and ensures work is delivered at appropriate deadlines while seeking operational efficiencies. Initiate appropriate follow-up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treat others with compassion and empathy and embrace the organization's mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.

If the traits and characteristics listed in our values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply!

SALARY/BENEFITS: The salary range for this position is DOE. We offer a generous PTO package; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; frequent hearing and talking required. Extensive keyboarding. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hybrid work environment
  • Option 1: Dedicated office; Report to office 3-days per week
  • Option 2: Non-Dedicated Office (Hoteling); Report to office 2-days per week
• Periodic overnight travel required.

SERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer